Forest v Preston FA Cup 4th Round Preview

A Joe Garner treble booked PNE's passage to the FA Cup 4th Round and a clash with his former club.

Simon Grayson's side sit 4th in League 1 and will come to the City in confident mood, with only one defeat in 7 - whilst also having overcome Ipswich in the previous round, albeit requiring a replay at Deepdale.

Preston will be without the experienced Kevin Davies after his red card at the weekend, other than that - Grayson has an almost fully fit squad to choose from.

Forest are in fine form themselves, the run now stretching to 10 games unbeaten and having nailed the Hammers 5-0 in their own 3rd Round clash.

That said, Billy Davies (a former PNE manager) will have to shuffle the pack again - as injuries and suspensions continue to mount for the Reds.

Chris Cohen, Dexter Blackstock and Kelvin Wilson remain long term absentees. Jack Hobbs and Jamaal Lascelles are both nursing injuries - so are unlikely to be risked, whilst Eric Lichaj may make a return, but will no doubt face a fitness test first.

David Vaughan is slowing working his way back to full match fitness - so may again play a curtailed role - if his parent club allow it.

Ishmail Miller has joined Yeovil on loan for the remainder of the season - so that could pave the way for Tudgay to make the bench.

Henry Lansbury received his 10th yellow card in the 4-1 win over Blackburn, so he starts a 2 game ban - which could mean that Moussi deputises in midfield.

For those on suspension watch, Harding, Henderson & Reid are all on 4 yellows - so, with Watford coming to the City Ground on Thursday 30th - will Billy risk further squad disruption?

Mike Dean will referee the clash, having dished out 74 yellow and 5 red cards in his 21 games in charge this season.

A draw will suit neither side, as they will both have their attentions fixed upon promotion - so, sod's law will no doubt yield a 1-1.